Yvette Cooper takes break from failing on immigration to remove Nelson’s portrait

The criticism of Labour’s handling of immigration, particularly under Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, has been sharp and unrelenting. Critics argue that instead of addressing the growing crisis of illegal Channel crossings and the strain on the asylum system, Cooper and her team have been preoccupied with what they call “self-glorification” and vanity projects.

One example cited is the replacement of a portrait of Admiral Nelson, a revered British naval hero, with one of Cooper herself in Parliament. This move has been seen as symbolic of a government more focused on image than action.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Despite Labour’s promises to shut down asylum hotels and reduce illegal immigration, the situation has worsened. Currently, 38,079 asylum seekers are being housed in hotels at taxpayer expense, a number that has risen since Labour took office.

The asylum backlog has also grown, with 90,000 cases still awaiting decisions. Deportations of those who arrived illegally by small boats have plummeted, with only 4% of these individuals being removed from the country. This means that 96% of those who cross the Channel unlawfully are allowed to stay indefinitely.

Critics argue that Labour’s policies are making it easier for illegal immigrants to remain in the UK. They point to the government’s decision to allow asylum claims despite previous Conservative legislation aimed at curbing such practices.

Additionally, Labour has been accused of fast-tracking British passports for illegal immigrants, a move that some say devalues the significance of citizenship and undermines the efforts of those who earn their passports through lawful means.

Another contentious issue is the watering down of age checks for asylum seekers. This has made it easier for adults to pose as children, allowing them to bypass stricter immigration controls.

Critics warn that this policy has led to fully grown men being placed in classrooms with teenage girls, raising serious safety and ethical concerns.

The Home Secretary’s priorities have come under fire, with many arguing that Yvette Cooper should be focused on securing Britain’s borders and addressing the immigration crisis rather than engaging in what they see as self-promotion.

The replacement of Admiral Nelson’s portrait with her own has been particularly galling for critics, who see Nelson as a symbol of Britain’s strength and sovereignty—qualities they believe are lacking in the current government’s approach to immigration.

The Conservative opposition has seized on these issues, accusing Labour of rewarding criminal behavior and failing to protect the interests of hardworking British taxpayers.

They argue that the UK needs strong leadership to restore control over its borders and address the immigration crisis effectively. While Labour appears to be focused on internal celebrations and symbolic gestures, the Conservatives are positioning themselves as the party that will take decisive action to fix the problem.

In summary, the criticism of Labour’s immigration policies is multifaceted, focusing on the rise in asylum seekers, the growing backlog of cases, the low rate of deportations, and what critics see as a lack of decisive action.

The replacement of Admiral Nelson’s portrait with Yvette Cooper’s has become a potent symbol of the perceived vanity and ineptitude of the current government. As the debate continues, the call for stronger leadership and more effective border control grows louder, with the Conservatives vowing to deliver the solutions that Britons deserve.